Holistic Dentist Explains Effects of Soda and Sugars on Teeth:

As discussed in my previous blog; acidic foods and drinks harm enamel leading to enamel loss and tooth decay.  The most corrosive is soda.  Many studies show that the phosphoric acid (citric acid) in soda is 10 times more erosive than fruit juices.

To put numbers on the acidity of soda; 0 being most acidic and 7 being neutral pH; Coke brand soda has a pH of 2.5 where battery acid has a pH of 1.0.  Pure alkaline water has a neutral pH of 7.0.  As you can see, soda is not far from car battery acid on the pH scale.  The type of acidity plays a role in the destruction of tooth enamel along with the soda to calcium ratio.  Phosphoric acid is in the majority of sodas, diet soft drinks, and flavored drinks.

Just how does the phosphoric acid in soda and flavored drinks damage tooth enamel and cause tooth decay?

Phosphoric acid is the same acid that we dentists use, when preparing a tooth for a white filling.  Imagine not only what this does to your tooth enamel, but what does it do to your internal system?  Introducing phosphoric acid into the mouth via soda, diet drinks etc. increases acid pH for up to 1 hour after intake.  This acid causes the natural minerals of the tooth to breakdown.  Along with introducing acid to the mouth via soda/flavored drinks, the bacteria in the mouth also release acid onto the tooth surface after feeding on foods/drink particles left in the mouth.

Here is a link to a study by Columbia University, where they placed teeth in soda, sports drinks, flavored milk, and juice to evaluate enamel erosion.  The pictures and data are very shocking as to the quickness the teeth began to decay after exposure to these popular drinks.

These drinks containing sugar, corn syrup, and phosphoric acid should be consumed with caution.  It is best to limit these drinks for the heath of your teeth along with the health of your internal system.  It is also best to not sip on these drinks throughout the day, instead drink the drink in a timely fashion and follow it by swishing your mouth with water.  Finally, to protect your teeth further use xylitol gum or mints to further neutralize the acidity brewing in the mouth. http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2007-04-24/swains-corrosivesodas.html

Please contact my Biological Cosmetic dental office located in Riverside, California where we focus on oral health along with total body health.  (951)686-3666.